https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-430-The-429th-Chapter-A-Non-Mainstream-Heavenly-Master-s-True-Transmission-Second-Update-/12602350/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-431-Chu-Kun-s-Heart-Disease-Part-2-/12602352/
Chapter 431: Chu Kun's Heart Disease (Part 1)
Chapter 431: Chu Kun's Heart Disease (Part 1)
Xu Yuanzhen did not enter the city.
She had no curiosity towards Zhou Pu.
The reason for her visit was because of an item currently in the possession of the Later Han Dynasty, which was previously owned by the Later Chu Dynasty.
After entertaining Zhiquan, the abbot of Liuli Zen Temple, and seeing him off, Zhou Wei summoned Zhou Pu to the palace.
"You don't seem fond of the Liuli Zen Temple?"
In private, without any onlookers, Zhou Wei was casual with Zhou Pu and invited him to sit.
"Those monks are no different from the demonic evildoers of the Wu Sect, Father Emperor. They do not harbor good intentions," Zhou Pu remarked frankly in front of the emperor.
"You and I now hold different identities and positions compared to the past. Those in high places must have the capacity to tolerate and accommodate others," Zhou Wei said, emphasizing the last few words.
As Zhou Pu was about to speak, Zhou Wei interrupted, "I have also heard about the matters in the mortal world. Precisely because of this, we must treat those monks with courtesy for the time being."
Zhou Pu nodded, "I understand, Father Emperor."
Zhou Wei nodded in approval.
Although Zhou Pu maintained a cold demeanor during his interactions with the Buddhist monks and rarely associated with them, he still observed the basic courtesies. This indicated that he understood the weight and implications of his actions.
The emperor had always admired and valued this adopted son.
On the other hand, the fact that Zhou Pu kept his distance from the Buddhist sect could be considered a good thing for Zhou Wei himself at the moment.
In the mortal world of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms, battles raged everywhere, and behind the ever-changing times were not only countless bloodshed but also numerous betrayals.
Zhou Wei himself had once served as a high-ranking military official of the Later Chu Dynasty before overthrowing it and establishing the Later Han Dynasty.
Such occurrences were not uncommon in this era and had happened countless times over the past hundreds of years.
Not only between rulers and subjects, but even among those of the same clan, be they siblings or parents and children, struggles for power and position, and slaughter among each other, were also prevalent.
To overthrow a dynasty and establish one's own, apart from one's own strength, external aid was often involved.
For instance, when Zhou Wei overthrew the Later Chu Dynasty and established the Later Han Dynasty, he had the aid of the Liuli Zen Temple.
Similarly, when the Later Chu Dynasty was first established, there were traces of assistance from experts of the Wu Sect.
Even before their downfall, there were quite a few prominent Wu practitioners active within the Later Chu Dynasty, and they had participated in the war to suppress the rebellion of the Black Qi Army. Nonetheless, in the end, it was still Zhou Wei who led the Black Qi Army to conquer the Later Chu Dynasty, thus bringing about a change of dynasty.
With countless precedents, the path that Zhou Wei took to establish the Later Han Dynasty was not unusual.
Moreover, not to mention the change of dynasties, even in the day-to-day affairs, whenever any party or military power gained prominence, similar occurrences would only become more frequent.
In such a historical background and environment, it was obviously impossible for Zhou Wei to place his complete trust in his subordinates.
Zhou Wei himself had close interactions with the Buddhist sect, and there were also people under him who maintained close ties with the Buddhists. In the future, was it possible that someone would rise to replace him?
In this context, Zhou Pu, who harbored animosity towards the Buddhists, gave Zhou Wei greater peace of mind.
The emperor had already learned that his nephew and adopted son was not putting on an act.
Moreover, while Zhou Pu despised the Buddhists, he had also clashed with the Wu Sect multiple times and had personally slain numerous prominent Wu practitioners.
The Buddhist and Wu Sects, which were the easiest powers to aid the rise of a new prominent figure within the Later Han Dynasty, had little to do with Zhou Pu.
This fact made Zhou Wei, who already valued him, even more relieved and reassured.
Of course, Zhou Wei had also noticed that this nephew and adopted son of his tended to associate more with Confucian scholars in his daily life.
However, in this mortal world, the Confucians did not hold much influence, and even if they had any schemes, given the overall environment and the disparity in strength, they would find it difficult to turn the tables like the Buddhists and Wu practitioners. Instead, they could become a force to maintain a balance.
Hence, towards Zhou Pu's actions, Zhou Wei felt even more admiration for his foresight and judgment.
However...
"In this chaotic world, the most important thing for people like us will always be this!"
Although Zhou Wei wore the dragon robes of an emperor, he had a sword hanging at his waist, which he now removed and placed on the table before him:
"With this, one can command and control the rest, regardless of others' intentions and schemes. They will all become our tools and pawns."
"I understand, Father Emperor," Zhou Pu replied.
Zhou Wei nodded and then gestured for Zhou Pu to draw the sword, "Take a look at this sword."
Zhou Pu was surprised but did not hesitate. He stood up, stepped back a few steps, and drew the sword from its scabbard.
He had already recognized that this sword was not the one that Zhou Wei usually wielded.
Even before unsheathing the sword, Zhou Pu could clearly sense that it was no ordinary weapon.
Upon drawing the long sword, the astonishment on Zhou Pu's face intensified.
This was because the sword was entirely made of stone, and it was not an ordinary divine weapon.
As he carefully savored and comprehended the power and intent contained within the sword, Zhou Pu fell into a trance of deep thought.
Seeing his calmness and focus, the appreciation in Zhou Wei's eyes deepened.
After a while, Zhou Pu spoke, "Father Emperor, the sword intent contained within this sword does bear some resemblance to the direct lineage of the Chu royal family's sword techniques. However, on the whole, there seem to be significant differences.
No, to be precise, the sword techniques of the Chu royal family are largely derived from this stone sword, and after studying and comprehending it, they combined it with their own learnings to create the most suitable sword techniques for themselves.
This stone sword is the root and foundation, and the Chu royal family's sword techniques are but a branch derived from it."
"Go on," Zhou Wei said as he listened.
Zhou Pu contemplated, "The peak martial arts of the royal families of the Southern Yue and Northern Liang also seem to be related to it."
With constant battles among the various kingdoms, Zhou Pu, whether as a general of Chu in the past or as a general of Han in recent years, had clashed with numerous experts from all sides.
His innate talent and perceptivity were both extraordinary, especially his talent, which leaned more towards spiritual perception.
Even earlier, Zhou Pu had keenly sensed that there seemed to be a subtle connection among the peak martial arts of the various royal families.
The myriad of lightning bolts that had been deflected by the shield of light earlier were now reverberating in all directions, causing rocks to shatter and tilt.
"You see it clearly," Zhou Wei said as he took the stone knife from Zhou Pu. "However, they may not all originate from this knife."
Zhou Pu asked, "There are several similar stone knives?"
Han King Zhou Wei replied, "I managed to piece together some information after killing members of the Chu royal family and obtaining this knife. I also indirectly obtained some intelligence from the Liuli Chan Temple."
He sheathed the knife and gestured for Zhou Pu to sit down again. "The martial arts of the present age have changed significantly from ancient times, as you know."
"Yes," Zhou Pu acknowledged.
Han King Zhou Wei continued, "This is influenced by the times and the environment, as well as the efforts of the Buddhist and Wu sects. However, there is another important source."
Zhou Pu's gaze fell on the sheathed stone knife. "Is it related to this stone knife?"
"Indeed," Han King Zhou Wei confirmed. "You are aware of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands, which include Shapo and Lingshan. Additionally, one of the Ten Lands is named Da Ju. Have you heard of it?"
Zhou Pu nodded. "I have heard that in ancient times, it was initially explored and mastered by martial artists and Confucian scholars together. The name 'Da Ju' is said to originate from the Confucian side."
"There have been some ups and downs since then. For a while, it was dominated by Confucian scholars, but eventually, it fell under the control of martial artists, just like Youyin and Dahuang."
"However, I also heard that during the great Han dynasty catastrophe, the situation descended into chaos, and there are no written records of what happened in Da Ju afterward. All we have now are speculations." Zhou Pu's eyes remained fixed on the stone knife as he spoke. "Father Emperor mentions this today. Could this stone knife... no, these stone knives, originate from Da Ju?"
"We cannot be certain, and I am only making an educated guess at this point," Han King Zhou Wei said. "However, the martial arts principles within it may have had a far-reaching impact, causing changes in the martial arts of the present age over the course of centuries."
After thinking for a moment, Zhou Pu asked, "Father Emperor, do Shapo and Lingshan know the truth or at least part of it?"
"Highly likely," Han King Zhou Wei replied.
Zhou Pu spoke softly, "The origin of these stone knives is unknown, and for many years, no one has been able to truly open the doors of Da Ju and reconnect it with the mortal world. Perhaps those monks and shamanesses are trying to find a way to open Da Ju through us martial artists."
"Just keep this in mind," Han King Zhou Wei said. "From today onwards, unless you are on a military campaign, you should come to the palace every day when you are in the capital to study this knife. Even if you cannot unravel the secrets of Da Ju, you can still use this opportunity to cultivate and refine your martial arts skills."
Zhou Pu bowed to his father emperor in gratitude.
..................
In the Tang Dynasty's mortal realm.
Within the Longhushan TianShi Mansion.
Lei Jun was in communication with Xu Yuanzhen, "So, Senior Sister, your take on this is that not only are many martial artists from that realm searching for Da Ju, but even the Shapo Buddhist Sect and the Lingshan Grand Shamanesses are also putting in effort to find it?"
"Yes," Xu Yuanzhen confirmed.
Lei Jun understood why Da Ju had piqued his senior sister's interest.
While the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands were indeed attractive, the fervor displayed by the Buddhist and Wu sects suggested that they knew of something unique and extraordinary about Da Ju.
Considering that a Buddhist Sect elder was residing in Shapo, Lingshan was most likely no simple place either.
Both of these lands might have had cultivators who had ascended to immortality before the great Han dynasty catastrophe and were still around to this day.
"Are those stone knives truly from Da Ju?" Lei Jun asked.
Xu Yuanzhen replied, "If not from Da Ju, they must be from one of the Nine Heavens and Ten Lands."
Lei Jun pondered, "It might be similar to the situation with the foreign races and the Great Wilderness."
The foreign races had trampled on the Ming Dynasty's mortal realm, destroying the Dali Dynasty and the Song Dynasty. Their martial arts were unique, imbued with a desolate and majestic aura, standing out from the rest.
Lei Jun had previously speculated that they might be connected to the Great Wilderness.
Now, Da Ju seemed to be influencing the martial arts of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms in a similar fashion.
However, the impact was still subtle and gradual, unlike the drastic changes brought about by the grassland foreign races and the Great Wilderness.
"I acquired a stone knife from a dynasty called Beiliang, and I'm currently studying it," Xu Yuanzhen mentioned casually.
...As expected of you.
Lei Jun blinked at her words.
"How has the Han Dynasty's mortal realm been lately?" Xu Yuanzhen asked.
With the closure of Dehai and Datong, both of which had borrowed her formations left in the former Song Dynasty's mortal realm and the current Han Dynasty's mortal realm, Xu Yuanzhen was already aware of the situation and didn't take it to heart.
What truly interested her about the current Han Dynasty's mortal realm was the Longhushan lineage.
"The calm before the storm," Lei Jun replied. "Although the Golden Khan and Sumeru caused a ruckus earlier, some things have been in preparation for many years and are now inevitable. At the very least, the people of the Kongsang Shamaness Sect are more likely to make adjustments and go with the flow."
"Excellent," Xu Yuanzhen said.
After chatting for a while longer, Xu Yuanzhen took the initiative to end the communication.
Lei Jun remained seated, gazing up at the sky in deep thought.
After a long time, he gathered his scattered thoughts.
For Lei Jun, life continued according to his usual pace.
Aside from quietly cultivating and refining his spiritual treasures, he also managed the affairs of the mansion and taught his disciples.
In instructing his disciples, Lei Jun followed in the footsteps of his master, Yuan Moxuan.
Although Lei Jun often had insightful ideas about cultivation and practice, when it came to teaching Zhu Baojie and Han Xiaofi, he adhered to the most orthodox methods.
At least, that was the case during the foundational stage.
Once their foundations were solid, Lei Jun didn't mind if they developed their own ideas and styles.
Time flew by as they cultivated in the tranquil mountains.
As summer arrived, Lei Jun celebrated his eighty-second birthday.
The year after the new spring, the Heavenly Master's Mansion of Dragon and Tiger Mountain welcomed the fourth grand ceremony of bestowing talismans during Lei Jun's tenure as the Heavenly Master.
Both Cheng Rongrong and Han Xiaofei were exceptionally talented, but they would miss this bestowal of talismans and could only wait for the next opportunity.
(End of Chapter)
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